Period window and timber feature restoration
Restore old timber windows, doors and decorative features in your own workshop, then refit them on site.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Repairing and refurbishing period timber windows, doors, fretwork and trims. Pieces are taken to your workshop for repair, then refitted on site, keeping as much original material as possible.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's licensing body for what you need to remove and refit windows and doors, and whether a builder or carpenter licence applies
- Find a small workshop or shed, and check council zoning or approval if you plan to work from home
- Restore a few pieces for friends or neighbours, photograph the results, and show them to local architects and heritage-focused builders
Who pays
Owners of heritage and character homes, architects and builders on renovation projects, and heritage bodies or councils.
How it makes money
Fixed price per window, door or feature, plus materials, and larger contracts for whole-building refurbishments.
Skills that help
- Carpentry or joinery experience
- Patience and an eye for detail
- Knowing period styles
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Licensing rules for building work, which vary by state and territory
- Council approval for a home-based workshop, noise and zoning
- Lead paint in old timber, so check safe removal and disposal rules
- Heritage overlays may limit what can be changed on listed buildings
- Public liability insurance and cover for customers' items while in your workshop
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: period window and timber feature restoration
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a period window restoration business in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your workshop setup, tools and equipment, and insurance. These are estimates only, so build your own budget from real supplier and fit-out quotes.
How much can you earn restoring timber windows and doors?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $22,000, depending on the jobs you take on and the hours you work. This is revenue, not profit, so allow for materials, insurance and workshop costs.
What rules should I check before restoring period joinery?
Check licensing rules for building work, which vary by state and territory, and council approval for a home-based workshop. Also check lead paint removal and disposal rules, heritage overlays on listed buildings, and public liability cover including customers' items in your workshop.
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